What To Know
UK Government Policy
In line with the UK Government policy and EU Legislation covering the reduction of carbon emissions, all homes and business premises offered for sale or rent must have an EPC before they can be available to the market.
Sold or Let
All commercial property that is sold or let must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) commissioned prior to, or within 7 days of being put on the market. There is a further 21 days allowed for the completion and acquisition of the EPC after which time fines can be imposed.
Energy Performance Certificates for Commercial Property
Our EPC assessors can carry out surveys for level 3 and level 4 buildings, helping you cut energy and CO2 emissions as well as meet your legal obligations.
EPC Survey
An EPC survey takes in the fabric of the building, its shape and size, existing heating, hot water, air conditioning, ventilation systems and lighting. The surveys can only be carried out by a qualified Energy Assessor, registered with an approved Government accreditation scheme like the EPC Register or Scottish EPC Register.
Commercial EPC — responsibilities and penalties
If a commercial property is being sold or the lease is being reassigned, the seller/landlord or their representative must make a commercial EPC available to prospective buyers and/or tenants.
Non-compliance with legislation could result in fines up to 12.5% of the property’s rateable value (to a maximum of £5,000).
Fines can be imposed on building owners, or anyone acting on their behalf in marketing the property.
Are there any EPC exemptions?
Commercial EPCs are not required on the construction, sale or rent of;
- Places of worship
- Temporary buildings
- Commercial buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m2
- Buildings which are due to be demolished if sold
Premises including warehouses, packaging or heavy engineering plants not requiring conditioning or heating are exempt.
Lease renewals or extensions, compulsory purchase orders and lease surrenders are also exempt. However, unfurnished buildings with gas or electric meters will need an EPC, as these indicate an intention to condition the climate.
Validation Period
The EPC details the properties energy efficiency and also offers recommendation for improvement if required. The certificates are valid for 10 years irrespective of how many times the property is put on the market for lease or sale in that period.
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